Last updated: June 12, 2025
"The first rule in investment is don't lose and the second rule in investment is don't forget the first rule." - Warren Buffett
Fix and flip insurance—sometimes called renovation insurance or builder’s risk insurance—is a specialized policy crafted for Minnesota real estate investors who buy, renovate, and resell properties for profit. Unlike ordinary homeowners insurance, this coverage addresses the unique risks found in Minnesota’s fix and flip and BRRRR projects, from properties sitting vacant in Minneapolis to active renovations in Rochester or Duluth.
In a state where winter freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on empty houses and local building codes evolve fast, fix and flip insurance protects your investment dollars, shields you from liability, and helps you stay on schedule—even when the unexpected Minnesota weather threatens to delay your project.
Whether you’re an investor new to the Land of 10,000 Lakes or a seasoned flipper working across Twin Cities neighborhoods, fix and flip insurance is essential for safeguarding your capital, minimizing liability exposure, and keeping your timeline on track in any season.
Minnesota’s real estate market has seen a sharp rise in fix and flip insurance premiums—rates are up more than 25% over the past 18 months. For investors from St. Paul to St. Cloud, this has a direct impact on your project’s profitability and your ability to compete.
Through our extensive work in private lending and insurance rate shopping throughout Minnesota, we’ve reviewed hundreds of fix and flip insurance policies each year. Our analysis shows that the average policy is quoted nearly 33% higher than necessary for most Minnesota projects—often because investors are steered toward insurance agencies unfamiliar with the unique risks and guidelines of renovation investing in our state.
Too often, Minnesota investors end up overpaying for fix and flip insurance. Many agencies are incentivized by premium volume or are captive to just one carrier, leading to less competitive rates—especially for vacant and under-renovation properties, which carry different risks in a state like Minnesota.
This is exactly why we built the OfferMarket Insurance rate shopping platform. In less than a minute, Minnesota investors can compare coverage from over 40 leading carriers, ensuring you get the best policy at the lowest possible rate. Every quote is reviewed by our local experts, who specialize in saving money for 1-4 unit residential investors throughout Minnesota. Every month, we save our clients thousands—and we’re excited to show you how much you could keep in your next Minnesota project!
Wherever your next project is in Minnesota, we have you covered: You can also check out:
Most Minnesota fix and flip projects start with a vacant property—often sitting through harsh winters, spring floods, or long renovation timelines. Standard insurance policies don’t cover the extra risks faced by these empty homes: vandalism, theft, or damage from frozen pipes and ice dams.
From new roofs in Minneapolis to kitchen overhauls in suburban Maple Grove, every rehab brings risk:
Fix and flip insurance for Minnesota is custom-built for these scenarios, ensuring your project is covered at every stage.
If a contractor, neighbor, or trespasser is injured onsite—whether it’s a slip on an icy walkway in Edina or a fall during demo day in Eagan—fix and flip insurance with general liability coverage helps shield you from lawsuits and medical costs.
Fix and flip insurance policies are highly customizable for Minnesota investors. Here’s what’s typically included or available as optional coverage:
Protects your property and materials from:
Covers claims for bodily injury or property damage from third parties, including:
Often bundled with property coverage, builder’s risk covers the structure during renovations, plus materials in transit or storage, and new features being installed.
Ensures your policy remains valid, even if your Minnesota property sits empty for months of the year during the rehab.
Optional coverage for your tools or rented machinery—whether lost, stolen, or damaged on site.
Covers added expenses if your property needs to be brought up to code after a covered loss. This is especially valuable in cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul, where building codes are strictly enforced.
Sometimes bundled in, this “business interruption” coverage protects against lost rental income if you keep tenants during the rehab or plan to rent after the flip—relevant for BRRRR projects and Minnesota’s growing multi-unit market.
Even the best fix and flip insurance policy for Minnesota properties has limits. Common exclusions include:
Wear and tear or shoddy workmanship
Flood damage (Minnesota’s spring thaws and river flooding require a separate flood insurance policy)
Earthquake damage (uncommon in Minnesota, but often excluded or needs a separate rider)
Intentional damage or fraud
Acts of war or government seizure
Always review your exclusions carefully with a Minnesota-licensed insurance agent to make sure you’re never caught off guard.
Fix and flip insurance is an essential risk management tool for:
Individual real estate investors working on properties in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, or beyond
Professional house flippers across the Twin Cities and outstate regions
Real estate LLCs, partnerships, and syndicates investing in Minnesota
Wholesalers who briefly take title before resale (double close)
Private lenders looking to protect their collateral in Minnesota markets
From a $120,000 Saint Paul duplex to a $1,000,000 luxury property on Lake Minnetonka, fix and flip insurance is vital for any Minnesota project.
Insurance premiums vary depending on location, property value, renovation budget, project length, coverage limits, and deductibles. Here’s what Minnesota investors typically see:
Property Value | Rehab Budget | Estimated Annual Premium |
---|---|---|
$150,000 | $50,000 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
$300,000 | $100,000 | $1,500 – $2,500 |
$500,000 | $200,000 | $2,000 – $3,500 |
Note:
Minnesota annual insurance premiums are generally refunded pro rata if you cancel early—most often after a sale or a refinance (such as a DSCR loan).
Bundling multiple Minnesota properties under one “portfolio policy” can lower your cost per property.
Minnesota investors have options when shopping for fix and flip insurance. Your decision comes down to the risks you’ll accept, your price comfort zone, how aggressively you rate shop, and the value you get from your agent or client service team. We recommend a comprehensive fix and flip insurance policy in Minnesota that includes property insurance, general liability, business interruption, and—if needed—flood insurance.
Working with a Minnesota insurance agency that specializes in fix and flip coverage, and shops multiple carriers, will always deliver the best coverage at the best price.
Get your fix and flip insurance Minnesota quote today!
OfferMarket makes the insurance process seamless for Minnesota investors, connecting you to underwriters who truly understand real estate investing in the North Star State.
Fast quotes—typically within 24 hours
Custom policies for anywhere from 1 to 100+ Minnesota properties
Support for title-holding entities: personal name, LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, Revocable Trust, Land Trust, LP
Experience with local lender guidelines and Minnesota’s unique risk landscape
Competitive pricing from top-rated carriers
Easy certificate of insurance (COI) generation—essential for proof at closing
Secure digital record keeping in your OfferMarket Insurance File
Most Minnesota lenders will require:
Property coverage at least equal to the loan amount
General liability (typically $1M per occurrence)
Named insured and loss payee clauses
Proof of insurance before closing
Ongoing coverage throughout the loan term
Failure to keep adequate coverage can lead to:
Loan default
Forced-placed insurance (much higher cost)
Personal liability for damages
OfferMarket coordinates directly with Minnesota lenders—streamlining the process from underwriting to post-closing. If you’re also using OfferMarket Capital for your DSCR or fix and flip loan, the process is even smoother.
Flipping more than one property in Minnesota? Consider these structures:
Blanket policies: One policy for all your Minnesota investments
Scheduled policies: Each property listed separately with unique limits and premiums
Master policies: Combined coverage (vacant property, builder’s risk, etc.) in a single package
OfferMarket helps Minnesota’s high-volume flippers optimize both costs and administration—making life easier as your portfolio grows.
Use this checklist to ensure your Minnesota investments are fully protected:
✅ Property insurance covers full replacement cost
✅ General liability of at least $1M
✅ Vacant property endorsement included
✅ Builder’s risk covers your renovation phase
✅ Tools/equipment coverage if needed
✅ Policy names your lender as loss payee
✅ Flood/earthquake insurance if required by your lender
✅ Project start/end dates match your timeline
✅ Certificate of insurance issued and stored
Here are common insurance guidelines for fix and flip loans in Minnesota—reflecting both risk management best practices and local lender requirements.
Property Insurance | Details |
---|---|
Mandatory | Yes |
AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
Term | 1 Year |
Limits | Replacement Cost (per appraisal or cost estimator); or Loan Amount if less than replacement value—Agreed Value Policy required or zero coinsurance |
Deductible | $5,000 |
Accepted Policy Types | Dwelling Fire ("Special Form"); Commercial Property ("Basic" or "Special Form") |
Cancellation | 30-day notice |
Exclusions | No windstorm/hail or named storm exclusions |
Lender's Designation | Mortgagee |
General Liability Insurance | Details |
---|---|
Mandatory | Yes |
AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
Term | 1 Year |
Limits | $1,000,000 per occurrence; $2,000,000 aggregate |
Deductible | $1,000 |
Coverage Details | Occurrence basis for losses |
Cancellation | 30-day notice |
Lender's Designation | Additional Insured |
This is optional but essential if you plan to keep tenants in your Minnesota property while the policy is in effect. Some fix and flip insurance policies will stay active as landlord insurance after rehab.
Business Interruption Insurance | Details |
---|---|
Mandatory | Yes |
AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
Term | 1 Year |
Limits | One year of effective gross rental revenue |
Coverage Details | Actual Loss Sustained basis is acceptable |
Cancellation | 30-day notice |
Lender's Designation | Mortgagee |
If your Minnesota property is in a FEMA-designated special flood hazard area, your lender may require flood insurance.
Flood Insurance | Details |
---|---|
Mandatory | If in flood zone (Flood Zone Determination required) |
AM Best Rating | A- VIII or greater |
Term | 1 Year |
Limits | Greater of $250,000 or loan balance |
Cancellation | 30-day notice |
Lender's Designation | Mortgagee |
If you have a lender involved in your Minnesota project, you’ll need to include their mortgagee clause.
Mortgagee Clause | OfferMarket Capital LLC ISAOA/ATIMA 627 S Hanover St Baltimore, MD 21230 |
---|---|
Condos | - Blanket policy may be used if it allows the individual Unit to be included in coverage. - Homeowner association maintains an “all risk” coverage for common areas, fixtures, personal property, equipment at 100% of their insurable value on a replacement cost basis. |
PUDs | - Project’s blanket policy may be used if it allows the individual Unit to be included in coverage. - Homeowner association maintains an “all risk” coverage for common areas, fixtures, personal property, equipment at 100% of their insurable value on a replacement cost basis. |
Instructions | - Use ACORD form to ensure compliance - Send insurance certifications, invoices or paid receipts, no later than 24 hours before closing. - Send final policy documents, no later than 60 days after closing. - Borrower must notify carrier if property becomes vacant or unoccupied and obtain a vacancy permit from the insurance carrier for the entire period of vacancy. |
OfferMarket is the trusted insurance partner for real estate investors and private lenders throughout Minnesota, from the Twin Cities to Greater Minnesota towns. Our platform simplifies every step of acquiring, financing, and insuring your next investment property—removing obstacles so you can focus on the deal.
Real-time deal and insurance management platform built for Minnesota investors
Yes. Whether you’re financing with a lender or paying cash, proof of insurance is required before you close. OfferMarket can typically issue a certificate of insurance for your Minnesota property within hours.
Yes, but you must disclose any ongoing renovation work. Some carriers may request an inspection or limit certain coverages for projects already underway.
You can cancel the policy and receive a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of your premium.
Absolutely. OfferMarket offers portfolio policies that can save you time and money as you build your Minnesota property portfolio.
Depending on your carrier, fix and flip insurance may not cover active tenants. In that case, you’ll need a landlord or hybrid policy that fits your unique situation.
OfferMarket is a rate shopping platform that specializes in insurance for Minnesota real estate investors. We search dozens of carriers, review your preferences and lender requirements, and help you secure the most competitive fix and flip policy available.
You can, provided your agent can meet Minnesota’s fix and flip insurance requirements and lender guidelines. However, working with an agent not specialized in commercial or renovation risks can cause delays and higher costs—especially for Minnesota’s unique property risks. Most clients prefer OfferMarket’s streamlined process and cost savings.
Minnesota fix and flip loan guidelines require that your insurance premium is paid in full at or before closing, either through the settlement statement (HUD-1/ALTA) or directly with your agent. A paid receipt is required for verification if you pay directly.
Most Minnesota lenders do not require insurance escrow. You are typically responsible for ensuring your policy remains paid and in effect, even if your project runs longer than planned. You’ll receive a refund for any unused premium if you cancel early.
AM Best is an independent agency that evaluates the financial stability of insurance companies. For Minnesota investors, choosing insurers with a strong AM Best Rating ensures peace of mind.
Builder’s risk insurance protects your Minnesota property and on-site construction materials during the renovation, rehab, or construction phase. Coverage typically includes fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, falling debris, vandalism, and theft—crucial protections during a Minnesota winter or summer storm.
Your builder’s risk policy ends when:
The property is sold or transferred
90 days have passed since construction completion
The property is occupied or put to use
Your interest in the property ends
The project is abandoned
Most builder’s risk policies use a Completed Value Form, matching your dwelling coverage to your ARV or replacement cost.
Fix and flip insurance isn’t optional in Minnesota—it’s the foundation of a smart investment strategy. With narrow margins, unpredictable weather, and local compliance requirements, savvy investors understand that downside protection is as important as upside gains. Whether you’re flipping a single Minneapolis home or managing a statewide portfolio, OfferMarket’s insurance solutions scale with your ambitions.
OfferMarket is dedicated to serving Minnesota’s real estate investors—especially those focused on 1-4 unit residential properties. Our mission is to help you build lasting wealth through real estate in the North Star State.
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